Review - Pitt St Diner
This week, Ryan Kennedy found a little piece of Paris in Redfern...
Every neighbourhood should have a little Parisian bistro.
Better still, one with young French chefs from the south-west of France in the kitchen who play to their seaside strengths and offer up a clattering mound of Moules Marinières ($25) in a white wine and cream sauce, slightly smoky from a good flambé.
Sitting just off Redfern Street and a block from Redfern Park, the little converted terrace that is Pitt St Diner assumed its most recent mantle two years ago, and has been building a solid local customer base using classic French cookery and friendly service.
Steak and Frites ($31) here is a blushing, charred, rib-eye with shoestring fries.
The Whole Fish of the Day ($25) is a crisp skinned and meltingly tender baked ocean trout. A side of Broccolini and Beans ($10) comes al dente, sautéed in butter and crunchy with hazelnuts. Both the menu and space are simple, unpretentious, and completely at ease.
Owner Gary Prebble takes orders and is a dab hand at matching wines. Tonight he suggests the Chocolate Fondant ($12) against the spice and fresh fruits of a Storm Ridge Pinot Noir ($45/bottle); it's a knockout combination.
Cosy, tasty and friendly, this is the perfect neighbourhood local and a charming escape from the gathering winter chill.
Pitt St Diner
96 Pitt Street, Redfern
Ph: (02) 8668 5936